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Film Studies, a four year program

The Film Studies option of the Mass Media program focuses on film history, theory, and criticism. Students will develop a broad understanding of films past, present, and future.

The below schedule is only one example of a four year plan for a student in the Film Studies option of the Mass Media program. This example plan should not be used as a strict guide to completion of the program. Please see your advisor early in your first semester to discuss possible variations of your own degree plan. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.

First Semester (Fall)

  • MED 120 - Mass Media and Society [fulfills one Gen. Ed - Culture and Society] (3)
  • IDS 110 - Intro to University Life (1)
  • CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning (2-3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)

Total hours = 15-16

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)

Total hours = 15

Third Semester (Fall)

  • MED 274 - Introduction to Film (3)
  • JRN 270 - Intro to Journalism (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World [with lab] (4)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 16

Fifth Semester (Fall)

  • MED 374 - History of Film I (3)
  • MED 325 - Broadcast History (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Minor course (3)
  • General Electives [125 hr graduation requirement] (6)

Total hours = 18

Sixth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 375 - History of Film II (3)
  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [may include JRN or MED courses] (6)

Total hours = 15

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • MED 470 - Special Topics in Film (3)
  • JRN 407 - Media law (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (6-7)

Total hours = 15-16

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 570 - Film Theory (3)
  • MED 581 - Media Ethics (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (6)

Total hours = 15

Students must earn a 3.0 or better GPA in MED 120, 204 and 274; and have a 2.25 combined GPA in order to be admitted to the major.

The B.S. in Mass Meda (Film Studies) major requires a minor. The minor should be selected in consultation with the advisor.

Periodicity of many classes is important, with many scheduled as F (fall) or S (spring) only classes.  Check catalog.

Students need a minimum of 40 hours of coursework at a 300+ course level in order to graduate.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change.